Semi-antique Karapinar kilim from Turkey. 125x125 cms

This semi-old kilim from Karapinar has a background of natural undyed wool, characteristic of kilims from this region, and the motifs are made with the cicim technique. The kilim was made on a small loom, so it is made in two parts and joined in the middle. The piece is dated 1949, but it may be that the weaver did not know the writing, since she has turned them over!

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool              

Size: 125×125 cms 

Origin: Karapinar, Turkey

Date of weaving: 1949 (date woven)

Kilims or Gilims are flatwoven textiles with a woollen weft on a woollen, goat hair or cotton warp. There are many different techniques and designs. The weaver normally works within a tradition of techniques, motifs and designs specific to a particular area or ethnic group. The designs relate to her natural surroundings, protection, fertility and the harmony of family relationships. Each weaver adds something from her own creativity and sense of composition. Kilims are often woven as part of a marriage dowry and can be used to create many different objects like storage bags, horse-blankets, baby carriers, blankets and wall and floor coverings.

This vintage kilim was hand-woven on a simple loom by a village or nomadic weaver for her own use. Probably the weaver used wool from her own sheep. The wool was first cleaned, then hand-carded, hand-spun and finally dyed by hand, often using natural dye materials like roots, nuts, berries, fruits, flowers and plants. Kilims from the last quarter of the twentieth century mostly use synthetic dyes. This kilim would have taken many months to complete.

All our kilims selected in the country of origin and are professionally washed and restored before we import them directly from Iran, Turkey and Afghanistan. Natural patina and charming imperfections in design and colour (abrash) are highly valued characteristics of hand-woven kilims.